Lauren Garrott and I are giving a training session at the National Planning Conference in Minneapolis next week. The title of the training was submitted as “Stay Hydrated and Don’t be Racist.” But the planning conference committee changed the title to “Stay Hydrated and Self Aware.” This is not the first time the title has been changed for our workshop.
Surely urban planners who play an active role in rebuilding and transforming communities to create a society that ensures safety, health, and prosperity for all its inhabitants can use the word. Afterall, the American Planning Association is working to center equity in all planning processes. From their landmark Planning for Equity Policy Guide, to the ethical principles that undergird the professional practice of planning articulated in the AICP Code of Ethics, to the new online public engagement toolkit to ensure that all voices are heard, we’re working to help planners and others recognize and eradicate the bad policy decisions of the past.
So why shy away from the word “racist” in the title of a training session? I understand the term can trigger defensiveness or denial, overshadowing the systemic nature of the issue, but that is exactly why it should be discussed.
The title “Stay Hydrated and Don’t be Racist” was taken from “Do the Work: An Antiracist Activity Book,” written by W. Kamau Bell & Katie Schatz. According to Conan O’Brien, the book “confronts the most persistent and urgent crisis in America with wit, grace, patience, and surprisingly, puzzles!” Going through the workbook really changed my understanding of what it means to be racist and what I can do to be antiracist. It uses straight talk and humor to explain this important topic – an approach that really resonates with me.
How do we talk about racism if we can’t use the word “racist”?
We don’t use the word “racist” as a personal indictment. Racism is not merely a collection of individual prejudices, but a complex system entrenched in our federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations. Historically, these structures have disproportionately disadvantaged certain racial and ethnic groups, influencing various aspects of life from housing and education to employment and justice. Recognizing racism as systemic is the first step in addressing it effectively.
So how do we openly talk about racism?
Strategy 1: Open Dialogue: The primary strategy to combat systemic racism is initiating open dialogues. It’s vital to discuss racism openly, without minimizing or fearing the potential discomfort it might cause. We can lead by example, creating spaces where conversations about racial disparities and their roots in systemic practices are encouraged and valued.
Strategy 2: Education and Awareness: Invest in ongoing education and awareness programs for staff at all levels. Understanding the history of systemic racism and its current manifestations is crucial for creating equitable policies.
Strategy 3: Policy Review and Reform: Actively review existing policies and practices through a lens of racial equity. This involves questioning who benefits from current policies and who might be disadvantaged, then taking steps to reform these policies to promote equity.
Strategy 4: Community Engagement: Engage with diverse communities to understand their experiences and perspectives. This inclusive approach ensures that policies are not just top-down but informed by those who are most impacted by them.
Redefining “Racist”: It’s important to address the misconception that calling out racism is a personal attack. When we label actions, policies, or statements as racist, we are not branding individuals with a scarlet letter. Rather, we are identifying aspects of a larger system that need attention and change. This distinction helps depersonalize the term and refocus the conversation on systemic change rather than individual blame.
Understanding and addressing systemic racism is a responsibility that can lead to more equitable and just communities. By shifting the conversation from personal fault to systemic reform and embracing open dialogues, we can make significant strides in overcoming the challenges posed by racism.
As a white woman, it has been uncomfortable, awkward, and painful to talk about racism, but not as painful as experiencing racism. The intent of our training and using the word “racist” is to address the awkwardness head on.
Don’t be afraid to start down the path toward racial equity – it is a long, difficult journey but worth it, so let’s all stay hydrated for the work ahead!